Town Center expansion goes before public

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- The public will have its first chance tonight to respond

to a proposed project that would expand the city’s art facilities and add

office space.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the project in the

South Coast Metro area, which calls for constructing a 2,500-seat

symphony hall; a 140,000-square-foot art museum; a 140-seat expansion to

the South Coast Repertory theater; three new office buildings; and two

parking structures.

The 54-acre site of the planned development is surrounded by Bristol

Street, Sunflower Avenue, Avenue of the Arts and the San Diego Freeway.

The proposal is a combination of efforts by several companies. The

arts facilities are independent projects. C.J. Segerstrom and Sons has

proposed one of three office buildings; the other two are being built by

CommonWealth Partners.

A completed South Coast Plaza Town Center could generate more traffic

and smog in the city, according to a report prepared by independent

consultants. And the jobs created by new businesses might draw more

people to live in the already-crowded city, the report said.

The consultants must answer all questions from the public before the

project reaches a Planning Commission and City Council vote.

Mayor Gary Monahan said he is anxiously awaiting the city’s new arts

offerings. And he said he didn’t expect that the project, which is

relatively removed from residential areas, would generate much

controversy.

“I believe the entire community is looking forward to it,” he said.

“It will solidify Costa Mesa at top of the county’s performing arts

field.”

The Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 77

Fair Drive.

BOX

For a breakdown of the proposed expansion to the city’s art

facilities, see Page 3.